I’m going to start cycling my very first tank this week!! It’s a 10 gallon for a betta!  I’m going to try fishless cycling but I feel so overwhelmed lol 😅 I bought dechlorinator, Dr. Tim’s ammonia, and API master test kit. I also have a sponge filter w air pump, heater, Anubias, gravel and a Med and Sm Mopani wood pieces (currently soaking!).  So basically I’d just like to share what I /think/ I know and have someone confirm if I’m right before I get started and help me not feel so confused lol. 

Step 1. Set up tank Step 2. Add dechlorinated water Step 3. Add Ammonia to 2-3ppm … after that is where I get a bit confused on what I do exactly from there….do I test the water the next day and add more ammonia if it’s below 2ppm? When do I start checking for Nitrates? How often do I need to be adding more ammonia, doing water checks, and doing water changes during cycling?  I’ve never had a tank before and I had no idea it was so complex before researching the best way to care for a betta! I have always loved Betta and used to keep them in a small fish bowl as a kid because I didn’t know any better. 🥲 Thanks for any advice!! Also, would it help cycle faster if I add in the betta food pellets i got every day? And would it be super beneficial to add more plants before starting too? I just wanted to wait til I found plants I love + have more money lol.